CD Reviews

Can't Get Enough Coltrane -- Get This

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 08/22/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you can't get enough of the Classic Coltrane Quartet (like me), then this album is for you. This is one of several recordings released on Pablo (posthumously) that capture 'Trane, McCoy, Jimmy G., and Elvin live during a tour of Europe. The appropriately titled "The European Tour" begins with one of my all-time favorite 'Trane tunes, "The Promise." The song begins with McCoy stating the theme and soloing, and Coltrane doesn't join in until the melody is repeated at the end. "I Want to Talk About You," a staple during 1963 tours, is next followed by the gorgeous ballad "Naima." The album concludes with an extended "Mr. P.C." (18-plus minutes), though not as long as the version on "The Paris Concert." My reason for withholding a fifth star is that while the sound is excellent (the piano is refreshingly audible), it doesn't match that of Coltrane-approved live recordings like "Live at Birdland" or the Village Vanguard recordings. That being said Coltrane fans should have no reservations in purchasing this disc."